Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi
I have to do some intricate design work for a Taj Mahal cake , should I use colour pen as that will be very easy to work with or should I opt for food colour and paint brush .

Thanks

Hi neha28

Pens would certainly be easier but I think to do justice to such a magnificent structure, paints would give a more professional finish. Really it depends which medium you’re most confident with and how you intend depicting the Mahal.

Hi Miwl

I have always used colours for colouring whipped cream or buttercream but never used it for painting cake so I was just curious whether pen will be ok to do painting on fondant
If I will use food colour (liquid) for painting can I use them directly or do I have to use any medium , it’s just the intricate design that I have to do on mahal’s door

Thanks

Yes I can imagine how all the intricate designs will need to be worked very carefully. If you use paints the best mediums as carriers would be vodka or pure lemon extract. Vodka is alcohol and lemon extract also contains alcohol. Halal and Kosher edible paints are available http://www.homeandkitchenskipton.co.uk/ourshop/cat_582810-Rainbow-Dust-Edible-Food-Paint.html As I understand it, these paints do not require thinning agents and can be used directly on fondant. I don’t really know a great deal about colouring pens. I would definitely have a play with them on fondant and see how the colour looks and develops and see whether the tips are fine enough to produce the delicate designs. I know pens can be used directly on fondant for creating logos and greetings. You’d need to make sure the fondant was pretty dry in case the pens dent it during colouring. What are your thoughts now?

Thanks MIWL

I just bought red and green paint colour from squires kitchen thinking why to compromise or experiment on Taj Mahal cake , since I am so damn excited about making it

Hi neha

I think you’ve made the right choice, and yes you do sound so excited! It will be beautiful, I can feel the love that you’re transmitting into it already. Have a little play with the paints first so you know how they handle. `WOW!! x